Control for pressing machines



June 9, 1936. J. M. DEWEY CONTROL FOR PRESSING MACHINES Filed Oct.

15, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR JAMES M. DEWEY B W ,4, my a A TToRNE 3 l7 Patented June 9, 1936 CONTROL FOR PRESSENG MACHINES James M. Dewey, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignor to The American Laundry Machinery Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application October 15, 1935, Serial No. 45,117

15 Claims.

This invention relates to pressing machines and more particularly to improved operating and control mechanism for such machines.

My invention is applicable to pressing machines of various sorts but is particularly useful for machines used in pressing garments and laundry articles.

The present invention is applied to a pressing machine in which coacting pressing members are moved. toward pressing engagement in two steps, including a preliminary step into safe closed position where there is no longer likelihood of an operator injuring a hand between the members and a second step into final pressing position. A fluid motor is provided for causing each step of the pressing operation and control means is provided for storing motive fluid in the second step motor when the press is open and for utilizing the stored fluid in the first step motor in the preliminary closing movement of the press.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide in a pressing machine of the above described type means for insuring complete evacuation of the second step motor during the preliminary closing movement of the press.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of an additional reservoir in communication with the second step motor for storing sufiicient fluid under pressure when the press is open to insure completion of the preliminary closing movement by later utilization of this stored fluid.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a pressing machine of the type described means for positively insuring that the motor for causing the final step into pressing engagement is first completely evacuated during the preliminary press closing movement and then reenergized to complete the closing of the press.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will appear as the description proceeds and the essential features thereof will be summarized in the claims.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is an endrelevation partly in section of a pressing machine embodying one form of my invention with the control mechanism therefor shown diagrammatically; while Figs. 2 and 3 are similar views showing'the parts in various of their operated positions.

While my invention is applicable to pressing machines having a pair of coacting pressing members, one of which is moved in two steps into a preliminary and a final pressing position, I have chosen to illustrate the same as applied to a machine which each of the pressing members moves toward the other. In such a machine I provide means for first moving one of the members into position adjacent the other and additional means for then causing the other member to move into final engagement with the first member.

In the machine illustrated, upon a frame i0 is mounted a bracket H which carries a pressing bed 92 suitably mounted in the bracket for limited vertical movement relative to the frame. On the upper rear portion of the frame is pivotally mounted at l3 a power lever M which carries at its forward end a pressing head l5 adapted to coact with the bed It. One or both of the pressing members may be heated if desired. The pressing head is moved by a pair of toggle links It and l? suitably connected between the rear end of the head lever and the lower rear portion of the frame. A fluid motor of relatively small diameter and long stroke, indicated generally at I8, is provided for moving the toggle links into beyond-straightened position to place and hold the head in pressing position adjacent the bed. This motor comprises a cylinder l8a housing a piston I81) whose rod I is connected with the toggle. A spring l9 normally biases the toggle toward broken position and a snubber device 20 snubs the movement of the toggle into straightened position and serves to initiate the breaking of the toggles. A motor, indicated generally at 2!, serves to raise and lower the pressing bed. This motor is of relatively large diameter and relatively short stroke and comprises a cylinder Zla having a piston therein Zlb whose rod 2lc operatively engages the pressing bed.

Motive fluid is supplied to motor 2| from a source 22 through valve casing 23, conduit 24, reservoir 25, conduit 26, valve casing 2! and conduit 28. Valve casing 23 houses a normally open inlet valve 23a and a normally closed inlet valve 231), both mounted on a stem 23c and actuated by a manual 23d. A spring maintains the valves in their normal positions. Casing 2i houses a normally open inlet valve 21a and a normally closed outlet valve 2% which are mounted on a common stem 210 which carries at its upper end a follower 21d which in turn engages a cam part ltd which is rigidly connected by bracket l8e with the piston rod Me. The valves in casing 2! are held in their normal positions by a spring and are moved to their actuated positions when follower 21d is engaged by cam IS on bar 18d.

Motive fluid is supplied to motor Hi from cylinder 2m and reservoir 25 when valve 23b is opened, through conduits 29 and 30. A branch conduit 3| communicates with valve casing 32 which houses a normally open outlet valve 32a mounted on a stem 32b and actuated by manual 320.

With the parts in the position of Fig. 1, cylinder 2Ia is in conduit communication with the source of motive fluid 22 and the bed is held in its upper position, thus storing fluid under pressure in cylinder 2Ia, and necessarily in. reservoir 25 also. It will bev understood that the drawings are illustrative only and that the cylinder 2Ia is quite frequently eight or ten inches in diameter while cylinder I8a may be a cylinder two to four inches in diameter. Furthermore, the pressure usually supplied to a final pressure motor having the functions of motor 2| is in the nature of '75 to 80 pounds, while the pressure required in a motor having the functions of motor I8 may be ten pounds or less.

With the parts in the position of Fig. 1, the operator arranges the lay of the work upon the bed I2 and actuates manuals 23d and 320. These manuals are shown diagrammatically but in theactual construction they are mounted on the forward portion of the machine and so spaced apart as to require a hand of the operator on each of them. Actuation of manual 32c closes valve 32a thus preventing exhaust through conduit 3| and this exhaust must be prevented so long as it is desired to effectively operate motor I 8. Actuation of manual 23d closes valve 23a. thus cutting off communication with the source 22 and opens valve 23b as illustrated in Fig. 2. Fluid then flows from cylinder Zia through conduit 28, valve 21a, conduit 26, reservoir 25, conduit 24, valve 23b and conduits 29 and 3!! to motor I8. As cylinder Zla is evacuated bed I2 moves downward impelled by gravity. Piston 181) makes a stroke rearward or to the left as shown in the drawings, moving the toggle links toward straightened. position, and when the parts reach the position of Fig. 2, cam I8f actuates the valves in casing 21 to momentarily close valve 21a and to open valve 27b. This insures complete evacuation of cylinder Zia through con- 7 duit 28 and valve 21b while the supply is cut off by the closing of valve 27a. Thus the bed I2 moves downwardly as the head I approaches it, as shown in Fig. 2. While the valves in casing 27 are in the position of Fig. 2, reservoir 25 continues to supply fluid under pressure to cylinder I8a causing further movement of piston I82) on its outward stroke so that it continues to move as shown in Fig. 3 until the toggle links reach the position there shown which is beyond the straightened position and limited by the engagement of abutments I60 and Na. As cam I87 moves beyond or to the left of follower 21d, valves 21a. and 21b return to their normal positions under the influence of their controlling spring so that the parts reach the position shown in 'Fig. 3. At this time the operator releases manuals 23d and 320 which re-establishes the supply of motive fluid to motor 2I as already described in connection with the description of Fig. 1. This raises bed I2 into engagement with head I5 which resists the pressure against it because of the position of toggle links I6 and I! in their beyond straightened position which forms a pressure strut. The press will remain closed under the pressure supplied by motor 2| until the operator again actuates manual 23d. This will cut off the supply by closing valve 23a and will exhaust cylinder ZIa, through conduit 28, valve 21a, conduit 26, reservoir 25, conduit 24, valve 23b, conduits 29 and 3|, and valve 32a.

Bed I2 will then drop due to the effect of gravity, and the pressure against head I5 being relieved, snubber device 20 and spring I9 will break the toggle and return the head to open position. Upon release of manual 23d the parts are again in the position of Fig. l and ready for another pressing operation.

What I claim is:

1. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, means for causing relative movement between said members in two steps, a first step into preliminary closed position and a second step into final closed position, two fluid motors, one for causing each step of said operation, and control means for said motors including means for storing fluid under pressure in said second step causing motor when said pressing machine is open, said control means also including means for conducting said stored fluid to said first step causing motor to preliminarily close said press, said control means being arranged to thereafter supply fluid to said second step motor to finally close said press, normally closed valve means for exhausting said second step causing motor, and means for opening and closing said valve meansupon predetermined closing movement of said first step causing motor.

2. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, means for causing relative movement between said members in two steps, a first step into preliminary closed position and a second step into final closed position, two fluid motors, one for causing each step of said operation, a fluid storage reservoir, and control means for said motors including means for storing fluid under pressure in said second step causing motor and in said reservoir when said pressing machine is open, said control means also including means for conducting said stored fluid to said first step causing motor to preliminarily close said press, and said control means being arranged to thereafter supply fluid to said second step motor to finally close said press.

3. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, means for causing relative movement between said members in two steps, a first step into preliminary closed position and a second step into final closed position, two fluid motors, one for causing each step of said operation, a fluid storage reservoir in conduit communication with said second step causing motor, and control means for said motors including a source of motive fluid, conduit means connecting said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish communication between said source and said second step causing motor while blocking communication between said motors, and said valve means being adapted in another position to open communication between said motors while blocking supply from said source.

4. A pressing machine as in claim 3 and including a normally closed outlet valve for said second step causing motor, and means for opening and closing said valve upon predetermined press closing movement of said first step causing motor.

5. A pressing machine as in claim 3 and including a control member for said valve means, a normally open outlet valve for said first step causing motor, a control member for said valve, and said control members being spaced to require both hands of an operator for their coincidental actuation.

6. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, 'each movable toward the other, a fluid motor formoving one of said members into position adjacent the other, a second fluid motor for moving the other member into pressingengagement with the said one member, a fluid storage reservoir in communication with said second motor, and operating means for said motors including'means for storing motive fluid in said second motor and in said reservoir when said pressing machine is open and for utilizing said stored fluid for operation of said first motor. i i

7. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor for moving one of said members into position adjacent the other, a second fluid motor for moving the other member into pressing engagement with the said one member, operating means for said motors including means for normally storing motive fluid in said second motor when said press is open and for utilizing said stored fluid for operation of said first motor, normally closed valve means for exhausting said second motor, and means for momentarily opening said valve means by predetermined press closing movement of said first motor.

8. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor for moving one of said members into position adjacent the other, a second fluid motor for moving the other member into pressing engagement with the said one member, a fluid storage reservoir in conduit communication with said second motor, and control means for said motors including a source of motive fluid, conduit means connecting said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish communication between said source and said second motor while blocking communication between said motors, and said valve means being adapted in another position to open communication between said motors while blocking supply from said source.

9. A pressing machine as in claim 8 and including a normally closed outlet valve for said second motor, and means for momentarily opening said valve by predetermined press closing movement of said first motor.

10. A pressing machine as in claim 8, and including a control member for said valve means, a normally open outlet valve for said first motor, a control member for said valve, and said control members being spaced to require both hands of an operator for their coincidental actuation.

11. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor and mechanism for moving one of said members from open position into position adjacent the other, said mechanism when said members are mutually adjacent being adapted to resist pressure against said one member, a second fluid motor for moving said other memher into engagement with said one member; and operating means for said motors including a source of motive fluid, conduit means connecting said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish communication between said source and said second motor while blocking communication between said motors, said valve means being adapted in another position to establish communication between said motors while blocking supply from said source, normally closed outlet valve means for said second motor, and means for opening and closing said last named valve means upon predetermined press closing movement of said first motor.

l2.- In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor and mechanism for moving one of said members from open position into position adjacent the other, said mechanism when said members are mutually adjacent being adapted to resist pressure against said one member, a second fluid motor for moving said other member into engagement with said one member; a fluid storage reservoir in conduit communication with said second motor, and operating means for said motors including a source of motive fluid, conduit means connecting said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish communication between said source and said second motor while blocking communication between said motors, and said valve means being adapted in another position to establish com munication between said motors while blocking supply from said source.

V13. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor and mechanism for moving one of said members from open position into position adjacent the other, said mechanism when said members are mutually adjacent being adapted to resist pressure against said one member, a second fluid motor for moving said other member into engagement with said one member; a fluid storage reservoir in conduit communication with said second motor, and operating means for said motors including a source of motive fluid, conduit means connecting said motors, valve means in said conduit means adapted in one position to establish communication between said source and said second motor while blocking communication between said' motors, said valve means being adapted in another position to establish communication between said motors while blocking supply from said source, normally closed outlet valve means for said second motor, and means for opening and closing said last named valve means upon predetermined press closing movement of said first motor.

14. A pressing machine as in claim 12 and including a control member for said valve means, a normally open outlet valve for said first motor, a control member for said valve, and said control members being spaced to require both hands of an operator for their coincidental operation.

15. In a pressing machine, a pair of coacting pressing members, each movable toward the other, a fluid motor and mechanism for moving one of said members from open position into position adjacent the other, said mechanism when said members are mutually adjacent being adapted to resist pressure against said one member, a second fluid motor for moving said other member into engagement with said one member, a fluid storage reservoir, a conduit member adapted to connect said reservoir and said second motor, valve means including an exhaust outlet and located in said conduit member, said valve means being biased to a normal position for establishing communication between said reservoir and second motor while closing said outlet, said valve means when actuated being arranged to close communication between said reservoir and said second motor and between said reservoir and said outlet while establishing communication between said second motor and said outlet, a source of motive fluid, conduit means between said reservoir and said first motor, valve means in said conduit means adapted in normal position to establish communication between said source and said reservoir while blocking communication to said first motor, said last named valve means in actuated position being adapted to establish communication between said reservoir and first motor while blocking supply from said source, whereby said last named valve means in normal position stores fluid from said source in said second motor and reservoir, the storage capacity of said second motor at source pressure being sufiicient to cause a predetermined press-closing movement of said first motor, means for actuating said last named valve means to initiate press-closing movement of said first motor. and means for actuating said first named valve means by said predetermined movement of said first motor, whereby said second motor is evacuated while fiuid from said reservoir causes further movement of said first motor, said last named means being arranged to permit return of said first named valve means to normal position upon said further movement of said first motor, whereby upon return of said last named valve means to normal position pressure fluid is supplied to said second motor to finally close the press.

JAMES M. DEWEY. 

